The OC Cherry Blossom Festival returns to Huntington Central Park on March 13-15, 2020, celebrating Japanese and Japanese American culture in Southern California. Each year the festival brings together a broad spectrum of performers and activities that span the traditional to the contemporary. Plus, taste the best of Japanese food and drink vendors in the region at the Sakura Night Market. The whole family is invited for a fun-filled weekend with music, dancing, cultural exhibits, martial arts, crafts, games and more to this community event!
The festival started six years ago by a girl scout whose project was to showcase Japanese culture in Huntington Beach. The event honors the rich history of the Sister City relationship and cultural exchange with Anjo, Japan.
Some of the entertainment you can expect during the event include Taiko drumming, minyo, classical dance, gagaku music, origami, ikebana are presented alongside cosplay contests, anime characters, electronic music, jazz, video game tournaments and more.
Performing at this year’s festival is the Anjo Cultural Association Dance Group, which is an authentic Noh Mai dance group. Other entertainers include the Jingu Sha Troupe, who will use Koto and Sangen instruments, Akai Kouyou who will perform traditional shamisen and song and Sakurai Tako Hozonkai, or Sakurai Kite Preservation Group. Each performance group works to conserve their practices for generations to come and is a unique cultural staple in the local Mikawa Anjo region.
Sample cuisine from the following food partners that will be on hand for the event:
- Green Eggs Co
- Takoyaki Tanota
- Babymini Donuts
- LuckyBall
- Rockin Gyoza
- Kobe Wagyu Freaks
- Kapimalya
- Tenkatori USA
- Cafe 949
- Shin-Sen-Gumi
- Norigami
- SVR BBQ
- AJAJ Café
- Amamiya- Baby Castella
- King Street Food
- Squirrel Beach Company
- Hungry Belly
- Thai
- Okamoto Kitchen
- Drizzle
- Angry Pig
- Salt N Pepper
- Scooters Italian Ice
- Deli, Doctor
- Shake Ramen
- Kushi Sushi
- Rice Balls
- Baby’s Burgers
- Belly Bombz
- Kona Ice
- Inglorious Funnels
- Taste of Soul on Wheels
- Cruising Cones
The Cherry Blossom Festival hours are:
- Friday, March 13 from 5 – 9pm
- Saturday March 14 from 10am – 9pm
- Sunday March 15 from 10am – 4pm
Want to get involved? They’re looking for performers, sponsors and vendors who would like to participate in the 2020 event. To find out how you can get involved, go to www.occbfest.com for more details.
The festival will take place at Central Park, 7111 Talbert St. in Huntington Beach. Day tickets are available for $5 each. Children 10 and under as well as Seniors 65 and older are free. Weekend passes are available for $10 each.
GIVEAWAY
Win 4 Weekend passes to the Cherry Blossom Festival ($40 Value)
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